Ageing, Sustainable Careers, and Digitalisation: An Examination of Their Interactions Within Work Settings

Abstract

This chapter critically explores the intersection of three transformative trends within organisational contexts: digitalisation, demographic ageing, and sustainability. While digital transformation and sustainability are widely recognised as strategic opportunities, demographic ageing is often marginalised or framed as a challenge, reinforcing ageist assumptions and limiting inclusive policy responses. The chapter reflects on the longitudinal and temporal perspective of what it means to build a sustainable organisation in a long-term perspective, looking at how age, careers, as part of the organisational sustainability agenda, and digitalisation are conceptualised, managed, and interlinked, with a focus on older workers. The discussion advocates for a shift from siloed to integrated approaches across these three major transformations, centred around the view of ageing as part of long-term organisational sustainability. We call for context-sensitive, life-course-oriented organisational policies and recommend collaborative efforts between researchers, policymakers, employers, and practitioners to address ageism and support equitable digital and sustainable careers for all ages. © The Author(s) 2026.